India appears to be on the verge of a significant entry into the Arctic driven by strategic and economic interests particularly through a partnership with Russia on the Northern Sea Route (NSR).
Russia is actively courting India a long-standing partner to participate in the development of the NSR a new shipping corridor along the Russian Arctic coast. The NSR is up to 40% shorter than traditional southern routes like the Suez Canal, offering a faster, safer, and more cost-effective logistics artery between Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Key developments and potential for India bigger Arctic role:
• Northern Sea Route (NSR) Partnership: Following Prime Minister Modi visit to Moscow in July 2024, a joint working group co-chaired by officials from both nations was established to explore Arctic shipping cooperation. The first meeting, held in New Delhi in October 2024, discussed joint Arctic shipbuilding, training Indian sailors for polar navigation, and drafting an MoU for cargo shipping cooperation along the NSR.
• Arctic Council Status: Russia Special Representative for Arctic Development, Vladimir Panov, highlighted that while India is currently an Observer in the Arctic Council, economic and practical cooperation like the NSR could become a new basis for international dialogue, suggesting a path to a greater role beyond its current observer status.
• Economic and Energy Security: The NSR aligns with India’s broader energy security goals by providing uninterrupted access to Russian energy supplies, bypassing conflict-prone regions like the Red Sea. India’s officials have expressed interest in integrating the NSR with the Eastern Maritime Corridor and the North-South Transport Corridor to enhance connectivity.
• Scientific Presence: India already operates a year-round, permanent research station named Himadri in Ny Ålesund, Svalbard, Norway, demonstrating a long-term commitment to scientific investigation in the Arctic.
Russia invitation to help develop the NSR backed by its fleet of nuclear icebreakers, signals a pivotal moment that could cement a shared vision for economic resilience and geopolitical balance in the Arctic.